John Marston is on the road to redemption.

If Red Dead Revolver Gun or have not convinced you, Red Dead Redemption doubt is no longer possible: the western is a genre that in its place in the world of video games. Indeed, it is for me one of the best games of the decade, or even one of the best games I've ever played. The color is now announced.

Red Dead Redemption is a bit of a mix of the best western of the 7th art, "Unforgiven, Pale Rider, Josey Wales, Once Upon a Time in the West" (Clint Eastwood), "Rio Bravo, Stagecoach, El Dorado, Alamo "(John Wayne)," The Wind from the Plain "(Burt Lancaster)" The Good, the Bad and the Ugly "(Lee Van Cleef)," The Man with the Golden Colts "(Henry Fonda) and recently "3:10 to Yuma" (Russell Crowe) and "Open Range" (Kevin Costner), etc. etc. etc ... Before praising Red Dead Redemption, I had to pay tribute to the leaders aeuvres who contributed to the legend, the myth of the American West and the inspiration of the game.

Now let's get to the point. Red Dead Redemption Rockstar is famous for the excellent game series Grand Theft Auto, or the next hit (at least I hope) LA Noire. The game is a GTA-like, you play a character on a map where you are free to evolve.

Here the character in question is John Marston, a former outlaw and criminal, he must now his salvation to his wife and son, which allowed him to win his gangster life. He aspires to a new quieter life, that of an honest farmer. Until his family is kidnapped by the police, they require Marston found that 3 of his former accomplices in exchange for their freedom and for Marston, the promise not to have tied the knot. Marston will then have to find his killer reflexes, reconnect with its violent past and shed blood in the name of good, hope to see his family ...
I do not say more in order not to deprive but know that the script is very well put together and the suspense is maintained throughout all of history. Story that takes you to the four corner of the huge map and to meet some very curious and unusual character (as Rockstar knows how to). Moreover we see that the developers have worked hard on his character, Marston is indeed very charismatic. His skin has scars that testify to his old life, his way is serious and a little hoarse, his words are those of a man tired of fighting and who no longer believes in anything. Moreover, we stand late 19th century and it is fun to see that John Marston does not like a lot in that time due to modernization and technical progress. Note the contrast with the Wild Wild West and the advent of cinema and the first automobiles.

Now about the map and environments. Divided into two zones, the United States and Mexico in the North to the South, the card is great for its size but also by the different decorations that have nothing to envy to the best western. In effect desert, steppe, forest, snowy forest, mountain, plains, river, city, town and other ghosts are the different designs of the game. These decorations fortunately very clichés are a technical feat. The graphics and lighting effects are out of this world so beautiful and realistic. But what would the West without wildlife? Not much obviously and Rockstar was well thought out. So we meet in the great plains bison, beavers along rivers, wolves and bears in the forests and mountains, eagles and all kinds of birds in the sky ... We find at the very least, fifty species, some are rarer than others. You can hunt them and skin them to recover teeth, skins, claws, feathers ... and sell them to merchants, doctors, gunsmiths and other tailors. Ah yes, a small detail that is important: depending on the animal, the sales price varies according to where you sell. Let me explain: for example, a bear killed in the mountains will be more valuable if you sell in Mexico, where you will never come across the species. After is it is really an interest to make a long trip for a few dollars more? Finally on animals, I must admit that they are very successful in both their achievements in their animations. And some species such as bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars or even wild boars, do not hesitate to attack you and your mount. Then not too early to greet the grim reaper, you will need to react quickly and well. Finally, flora complies with the different environments (cactus in Mexico, large poplar forests ...) and is very varied (desert sage, prickly pear, poppy, wild chamomile ...).

The soundtrack is also a great success. Whether the mere sound of hooves that changes the trodden ground, the storm broke or even dubbing and "western music", all fits perfectly to the game and contributes to the atmosphere of the title.

Let the gameplay, key point for a video game, it can make a great game, a game just fine. In Red Dead Redemption, the gameplay is without question a strong point. Easy and intuitive, the grip is reinforced by an interface and a clear menu. The phases of "gunfight" Dantesque are worthy leaders aeuvres mentioned above. Aiming is precise and offers 3 modes: automatic, semi-automatic and manual. Both say that to better enjoy the game, manual sighting is highly recommended because besides being accurate, it enhances immersion for the shooting scenes. The game also offers a "bullet time" (slowing of time to allow a better perfect shot), called "Dead Eye". Very effective as the enemy is numerous or as the situation is critical, it is based on a measurement system that regenerates slowly, so as not to abuse too. Weapons are obviously respectful of the time and the choice is large (over twenty). There is a plethora of revolver, pistol, rifle, shotgun, sniper rifle, shotgun sawed ... actually all who contributed to the epic of the Old West. Red Dead Redemption also offers a very effective cover system: simply pressing the appropriate key and Marston will cover the area lying as close (cart, wall, rock ...), allowing it to recover a little life.

Finally finish talking life and as you say at the outset that there is no Rockstar his punches. Indeed, besides the main missions and numerous enough punctuated neat cinematic include various side missions. So when you travel you will meet strangers, often zany, asking you to their help. Its missions are varied but I leave you to discover for those who do never played. In addition to the optional objectives are to be achieved. These are in the form of challenges, they can be: hunt under specific conditions, pick a number of plant or even search for treasures etc ... Special mention for the treasure hunt, well thought out. Indeed, you have a card with more less index and it is you're doing ... It also has to tape marks to "clean" outlaws killing or capture, of horses dresser (twenty species) outfits to unlock, stagecoaches to drive, a multi-player mode (which I have not tested enough to judge), a zombie extension (Undead Nightmare) ... Life Cowboy is not an easy one but rest assured, you will always find a saloon to play poker, blackjack or all simply to revel a good whiskey.

A scenario and outstanding dialogues, an extraordinary atmosphere, charismatic and endearing hero and a goldsmith technical realization make this a UFO Red Dead Redemption in playful video industry. So whether you're bandit, desperado, cowboy, or simply a friend of the western twilight, do not hesitate this is the game for you.